The Final Bell

Channel Final Bell with Austin Schroeder | August 4, 2025

As we close out July, market volatility takes center stage. Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Research joins the Channel Final Bell to unpack end-of-month grain action, how EU corn values are factoring into global trade, and whether supply concerns are quietly building. Plus, the latest on the Fed’s interest rate outlook and a sharp move in the cattle market. Zuzolo also outlines key markers to watch in August that could shake things up. Don’t miss this deep dive into the markets.

Corn posted modest gains on Wednesday, supported by fresh export sales and limited farmer selling. But soybeans faded once again on weak demand and continued meal pressure. Kansas City wheat showed relative strength, while global weather stories—from 100-degree heat in Ukraine to strong spring wheat yields—added complexity to the trade. In the livestock markets, feeder cattle saw sharp losses and live cattle also pulled back, as traders position ahead of Friday’s Cattle Inventory and Cattle on Feed reports. Lean hogs held steady, with some attention turning to reports of production losses in China and a shift in feed usage. Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics joins the Channel Final Bell to break down:

Despite a flurry of new trade deals, ag grain markets remain sluggish. On this episode of the Channel Final Bell, Shawn Hackett of Hackett Financial Advisors joins Bryce Doeschot to break down what’s really moving the markets—and what’s not. Topics covered include: Why futures aren't reacting to recent trade agreements What delayed deal details could mean for ag demand The market's current obsession with weather and yield potential Why soybeans may be the first to rally Concerns over Russian and Ukrainian wheat harvests Hackett says: “The trend is your friend—downward—until we get to the USDA report.” Listen in for a sharp and timely outlook on grains, soybeans, and wheat—and what could finally wake these markets up.

On today’s episode of The Channel Final Bell, Sue Martin with Ag and Investment joins us to unpack a choppy day in the grain markets. Corn and soybeans drifted lower while wheat found support, thanks in part to a weakening U.S. dollar. Sue shares her take on crop conditions and demand signals.

JJ Lauby with Agri Management Systems in Loomis joins us on today’s episode of the Channel Final Bell. Corn continues to grind higher, while soybeans manage a higher close—though off session highs. Wheat stands out with a bold rally, and cattle markets remain cautious. Get JJ’s perspective on what’s driving the grain and livestock markets this week.

Soybeans finished with double-digit gains, while corn and wheat were up 3-4 cents. Live and feeder cattle settled with triple-digit gains again. Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist at StoneX, breaks down Wednesday's trade. Topics: Strength in beans Indonesia trade deal Trump and the Fed Extended weather

Grains were mixed on Monday with soybeans the leader to the downside. Livestock trade rebounded after Monday's selloff. Livestock market analyst Kyle Bumsted breaks down Tuesday's trade. Topics: - Cattle rebound on positioning - Country movement and auctions - Key reversal up in corn - Soy lower despite big crush - Keys for trade the rest of this week

Feeder cattle settled over $5 lower on Monday, with some analysts wondering if it's the beginning of a downward slide for cattle. Meanwhile, grains finished mixed. Ross Baldwin with AgMarket.net breaks down Monday's trade. Grains back and forth to start the week Technical views on corn/soy Merc sells off Answers in coming cattle reports?

Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics breaks down today's market trade ahead of Friday's anticipated WASDE Report. Discussion also follows the re-closure of the US-Mexico border with regard to how the livestock markets finished.

Live and feeder cattle futures finished another day with strong gains while favorable weather and excellent crop conditions pressured the grains. Jim McCormick with AgMarket.net detailed Tuesday's trade. Topics - Crop ratings - possible 185 bpa yield? - 45Z and biofuels - Trade talks with South Korea, Japan, others? - Feeders rebound fast and furious

Soybeans and wheat rallied higher following news of a trade deal with Vietnam. Live and feeder cattle futures finished with strong gains. Topics: - Strength uncovered in grains and livestock - Trade deals with Vietnam - others to follow? - One Big Beautiful Bill - Mexican cattle imports - Holiday trade mentality - Late July weather

Feeders fell over $5 on news of borders reopening to Mexican cattle imports. Crop conditions jump to the best corn rating since 2019. Jim McCormick of AgMarket.net breaks down Tuesday's trade. - Lingering influence from reports - Monday Crop Progress movement - OBBB movement out of the US Senate - Negative cattle markets - Market prep after Fourth of July holiday

What's typically a highly-anticipated report from the USDA, today's acreage report delivered few surprises and sparked little to no reaction for the grains. Live and feeder cattle futures faced pressure Monday morning, but reversed course to close $1 to $2 higher. Topics: - June Live Cattle off the board - Aug now lead month - Livestock technicals going into July - Report day for the grains - historically speaking, a muted reaction - Keys for new month/new quarter/holiday week trade

Grain trade snapped a four-day losing streak on Friday, while cattle futures finished $3-$4 higher. Sue Martin with Ag & Investment Services breaks down Friday's factors.

Grains closed lower for the fourth day in a row this week. Live and feeder cattle settled higher, while lean hogs settled lower ahead of the Quarterly Hogs and Pig Report. Mike Zuzolo with Global Commodity Analytics breaks down Thursday's trade. Topics: - Relationship between grains and crude oil - Weather headlines - Stocks and acreage

Soybeans plunged over 20 cents to close a third straight day of losses for grains. Livestock closed mixed. Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist at StoneX, breaks down today's trade. Topics: - Psychology of the market - Slight chart damage in grains - How the closed Mexican border to feeder imports could affect corn - Preview of Hogs and Pigs Report

Ag commodities finished lower on Tuesday, with wheat down 17 cents, soybeans down 12 cents and cattle down 15 to 70 cents. Jim McCormick with AgMarket.net breaks down today's factors. - Drop in crude pulls grains lower - Potential volatility 1-3 weeks out - Cattle hold technical line

On this episode of the Final Bell, Arlan Suderman of StoneX breaks down today’s market movement. Wheat picks up some premium while corn and soybeans remain muted. We also talk about New World Screwworm, and how geopolitical uncertainty and ICE action are impacting the trade. Plus, what this holiday week means for market volume.

Livestock market analyst Kyle Bumsted joins the Channel Final Bell to break down today's trade, including factors behind a plummet in live and feeder cattle futures. Topics: - Drivers behind lower futures - Spreads and what they indicate - Cattle on Feed preview